Silvia Fado presents K4U

We here at So Catchy! Where Fashion Begins are great admirers of the amazing work by the designer Silvia Fado, an artisan with limitless imagination who has managed to make a basic accessory like the heel, an authentic work of art. A few months ago we presented her jaw-dropping thesis project, the famous hydraulic heels, which Silvia has revisited with her latest collection, K4U, heels with an urban twist that are quickly become objects of desire. We’ll be paying close attention to her work and you should, too, because she’s already working on the next project, 3ϕ MONOCHROME, which promises to leave you begging for more. Here’s what she had to say.

So Catchy!: We’ve been waiting impatiently for your new collection. Where did you find the inspiration?

Silvia Fado: For my new collection, I decided to take my hydraulic heels to the next level. The initial idea for this collection was to make shoes that were actually wearable for women from day to day. So I continued my previous work with engineers and other technical professionals to create new shock absorbers and to adapt them to my designs.

It’s a collection for Spring Summer 2016 and I wanted it to use the materials and colors to make it fresh, pure and full of vitality.

SC!: What’s new about the production process for this collection? Has anything changed?

SF: All of the heels in this new collection were developed with new 3D-cutting technologies like CNC milling, which should allow for adequate production capacity to be able to commercialize the designs internationally.

SC!: What do you think are the main differences between your first collection and this one?

SF: My previous collection was the first idea and it was created to be shown in a much more artistic context, and to present that idea. I also made the pieces traditionally by hand. The new collection, K4U, was developed industrially with the goal of entering the world of fashion with a competitive product that is different from anything else on the market.

SC!: Personally, and professionally, how has the fashion world been treating you since you graduated from the London College of Fashion?

SF: It’s true that we’re not exactly living in a favorable period of time due to the economy and the incredible competition that exists on the market. Personally, since I finished my studies, I’ve had to do a lot of legwork both here in Spain and abroad. My advice is to always be doing something, working hard, and trying to do the best that you can. As long as I’ve been sure about what I’m doing and shown some perseverance, I’ve been able to get by. I’m also just getting started and I’ve got a lot more work to do so I can’t really say much more. Someday I hope to see women on the street wearing my shoes.

SC!: Apart from the presentation of your new project at Tranoï, what else have you been working on?

SF: I’m finishing my collection, 3ϕ MONOCHROME, which is from the more commercial line ϕ PHY, which I pre-presented in Paris. It’s going to have 3D-printed carbon fiber heels and will also be for S/S 2016.

I’ve also got different projects I’m working on for exhibitions and I’m developing new ideas and prototypes, but for now, I can’t say anything else. I’ll keep you updated [laughs].

SC!: How did the collaboration with Jessica Minh Anh come about?

SF: They got in touch with me to participate in a show organized by Jessica in Paria, and from there, we collaborated on some editorial photo shoots that she organized with her team. You can see the photos on my Facebook and Instagram pages.

SC!: With your current experience, is there any advice that you can offer to the young women and men who are studying fashion now?

SF: For me personally, specializing in something specific has seemed to work out; I’ve obtained knowledge of the field and developed a unique product. OF course, travelling and changing your environment occasionally always helps to open up your worldview and provides inspiration from all of the interesting things and fantastic designers around the world.